Greece Santorini Earthquakes (2025)

In early 2025, intense seismic activity was observed around the Greek island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea. The swarm of tremors, which began on 28 January 2025 and lasted for several days, was described by experts as an “earthquake storm” and caused concern both in Greece and in neighboring countries. Earthquakes in the Aegean Sea affected not only Santorini but also the nearby islands of Ios, Amorgos and Anafi, leading to the evacuation of residents and tourists in the region.

^{Map Representation (Source:} BBC⁾

The earthquakes were continuously monitored by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the National Observatory of Greece, and the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), with hundreds of tremors recorded, the largest measuring between 5.2 and 5.3 in magnitude. The focal depths of the earthquakes ranged from 5 to 25 kilometers, and the frequent occurrence of aftershocks heightened panic in the region.

Santorini is part of a region known as the “Hellenic Arc,” which has historically hosted major volcanic eruptions and sits atop an active volcano. However, Greek seismologists and geologists have clarified that the current seismic activity is not directly linked to volcanic activity. Experts stated that these earthquakes originate from tectonic movements in the region and that the risk of an eruption at Santorini Volcano remains very low.

The earthquakes in Santorini and surrounding islands have negatively impacted infrastructure, transportation, education, and tourism in the region. Authorities have implemented various measures to ensure public safety, with over 9,000 people evacuated. The Greek government and scientists continue to closely monitor the seismic activity in the area.

• 28 January – 3 February 2025: Seismic activity increased significantly, with over 500 earthquakes recorded during this period.
• 3 February 2025: Measurements by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and AFAD recorded the largest tremor at magnitude 5.2. The Kandilli Observatory revised this value to 5.3.
• 4 February 2025: The number of earthquakes exceeded 750. The largest tremor on the same day measured 4.9 in magnitude.
• Daily Tremors: Earthquakes occurred at average intervals of 10 to 20 minutes, causing anxiety among the public.

• Largest earthquakes: The strongest tremors measured 5.2 and 5.3 in magnitude.
• Average magnitude: Hundreds of aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 3.0 to 4.8 were recorded.
• Depth: Earthquakes occurred at focal depths between 5 and 25 kilometers.

The earthquakes around Santorini occurred along the Hellenic Arc, a volcanic island chain. However, experts have stated that these tremors do not indicate an impending volcanic eruption and are primarily caused by tectonic movements.

1. Tectonic Movements:

• Seismologists from the National Observatory of Greece and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki have identified that the earthquakes originated along the nearby Amorgos Fault.
• Frequent earthquakes in the Aegean Sea result from the northward movement of the African Plate subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate.
• Experts note that this fault system has produced major earthquakes historically but that the current tremors are unlikely to culminate in a large destructive event.

2. Possibility of Volcanic Activity:

• Although Santorini hosts an active volcano, experts have clarified that the seismic activity is not related to volcanic processes.
• Greek geology professor Efthymios Lekkas and other experts have sought to reassure the public, stating, "This seismic activity is not linked to volcanic activity."
• The largest known volcanic eruption on Santorini occurred around 1600 BCE and completely altered the region’s topography.
• The most recent volcanic activity occurred in 1950, and it has been confirmed that the current tremors do not indicate a new eruption risk.

1) 1956 Amorgos Earthquake (Magnitude 7.5):

• One of the largest earthquakes to affect Santorini and surrounding islands, it generated a tsunami and caused widespread destruction.

2) 2011–2012 Seismic Activity:

• A similar period of intense seismic activity lasted 14 months around Santorini and its vicinity but did not lead to a volcanic eruption.

3) 2025 Tremors:

• Although the recent earthquakes are less intense than the 1956 event, experts note they may persist for a prolonged duration, similar to the 2011–2012 sequence.

1) Prolonged Seismic Activity:

• Experts state that the tremors may continue for several weeks, which is a normal part of such seismic swarms.

2) Expectation of Magnitude 6 or Higher Earthquake:

• Seismologists in Greece and Türkiye have stated that the probability of a destructive earthquake of magnitude 6 or higher is low.

3) Tsunami Risk:

• If an earthquake exceeding magnitude 7 were to occur, tsunami modeling would be required for the coasts of Kuşadası, Bodrum and Datça. However, it has been confirmed that the current tremors pose no tsunami risk.

• Migration and Evacuations: A total of 9,000 people have left the islands of Santorini, Amorgos, Ios and Anafi.
• Transportation: Aegean Airlines has added extra flights for those wishing to leave the islands, and ferry operators have increased their capacity.
• Education: Schools on Santorini, Amorgos, Ios and Anafi were closed for one week.
• Safety Measures: The Greek government has advised the public not to gather in enclosed spaces, avoid approaching unsafe buildings, stay away from landslide-prone areas, and drain swimming pools.
• Tourism: Santorini, which normally welcomes three million tourists annually, saw even its limited winter-season visitors depart due to the seismic activity.

• Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called on the public to remain calm and emphasized that scientists are closely monitoring the situation.
• The Southern Aegean Regional Fire Department has been placed on alert, and rescue teams have been dispatched to Santorini.
• Buildings in the region are being regularly inspected and safety measures are being implemented due to the ongoing seismic activity.
• Some residents who have chosen to remain on the island are spending nights in open areas or in their vehicles due to the frequency of tremors.